Cynodon dactylon aka Bermudagrass

Taxonomy

Cynodon dactylon, also known as Bermuda grass, is a grass species found worldwide, native to Europe, Africa, Australia, and much of Asia. It has been introduced to the Americas and is widely used on athletic fields and golf courses due to its tolerance for heavy traffic and rapid recovery time. Despite its common name, it is not native to Bermuda and is actually an invasive species there, where it is known as crab grass. Other names for this long-lived grass include Dhoob, dūrvā grass, ethana grass, dubo, dog grass, dog's tooth grass, Bahama grass, devil's grass, couch grass, Indian doab, arugampul, grama, wiregrass, and scutch grass. It forms thick mats by means of stolons and rhizomes, with culms that take root at the lower nodes. The leaf blade is flattened with a sharp tip and can be hairy or hairless, while the leaf sheath is round and glabrous, and the ligule has a ring of hairs or a short membrane. The inflorescence consists of 3-7 slender spikes up to 60 mm long, arranged terminally on the axis, with sessile spikelets that lack an awn. Flowering time occurs from March to September. Bermuda grass grows best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil with full sun and warm temperatures, making it suitable for lawns and public areas.

Common names

Bermudagrass, Green Couch, Plain Couch

How to care for Bermudagrass

Difficulty

Bermudagrass presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Bermudagrass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bermudagrass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bermudagrass thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Plain Couch.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Bermudagrass to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Bermudagrass’s native range is Britain. A cosmopolitan plant, found in most tropical to warm temperate regions.


More info:
Wikipedia